Overview
On 28 December 2001, at 1430Z, a Cessna 177 RG, registration ZS-NDO, was involved in an accident during the landing phase at Cape Town International Airport (FACT). The flight was a private operation with one pilot and three passengers on board. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained slight damage.
Flight Sequence
The pilot was returning to Cape Town International and, while abeam and to the north of Stellenbosch airfield, was instructed by FACT ATC to join and report on left downwind for Runway 9. The pilot reported left downwind but was then instructed to orbit to the right abeam the tower. After completing the fourth orbit, ATC asked if the pilot would accept Runway 34 for landing, which he accepted. The pilot was also instructed not to cross Runway 01/19.
Accident
According to the pilot, he was distracted by the above-mentioned instructions, which resulted in him inadvertently failing to complete his pre-landing checks. Consequently, he carried out a landing with the undercarriage retracted.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was slightly damaged, with the belly of the aircraft and propeller blades bent. There were no injuries to the persons on board.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was that the pilot failed to lower the undercarriage prior to landing.